One Nation, Under God
On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 29, Dodson Public Schools faced a serious threat to staff and students present inside the school’s building, according to the Dodson Coyotes social media page.
The PCN caught up with Phillips County Sheriff Jerry Lytle and Dodson School Superintendent Gary Weitz.
Dodson’s social media page said that students and staff were immediately evacuated to a safe location and that the parents and families of students were notified.
Per a press release from Phillips County Sheriff Jerry Lytle, PCSO received a call from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office and Dodson Schools Superintendent Gary Weitz that Dodson School received the threat.
Sheriff Lytle, several PSCO Deputies, members of the Phillips County Fire Department, the P.C. Ambulance service, a Glasgow Police Department Officer, and U.S. Border Patrol Agents responded to the incident.
Sheriff Lytle also confirmed that the school’s staff and students were moved to a safe location and the school was searched but no device was found. He also confirmed that the suspect, who was unnamed in the press release, was taken into custody on the Fort Belknap Reservation.
The investigation has been taken up by the Fort Belknap Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The all-clear was given and Sheriff Lytle said that there appeared to be no danger to the public.
Superintendent Weitz was appreciative of local law enforcement and his staff for how they responded to the threat.
“Our many thanks go out to Sheriff Lytle and the law enforcement resources who came to our assistance swiftly,” Supt. Weitz said in a press release. “Your professional response was exemplary. Words can’t fully express our appreciation.
“Our professional building staff are superb,” he continued. “The building was evacuated in an orderly manner, transportation of students to a safe location was swift, and the process of notifying parents for pick up and route drop off was handled with poise by all staff.”
Supt. Weitz and his staff were able to contact parents and guardians throughout the entire process and said that communication continued throughout the following day.
“Thorough communication through all of our communication venues is ongoing today including personal phone calls from the district to each and every family,” Supt. Weitz said. “The cooperation by students yesterday during the crisis was without question a tribute to them and our staff.”
He continued to commend his district while maintaining that the school will continue its goal of educating its students.
“While this vile and cowardly act briefly interrupted our instruction and learning as well as impacting and unnerving children and staff of all ages for an afternoon, it will not interrupt our professional will and duty to always help our students be successful in every way,” he said. “The Dodson School District provides modern research-based education with the best resources for our staff in a positive learning environment and culture. That is the reason we are in this career. That is the reason we come to work every day. Kudos to all of our certified and support staff for your daily courage and sacrifices for our children and their families.”
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